A theory and practice course in Holistic Massage with Lynda Banks

The main aim of the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage is to enable candidates to provide treatments for the purposes of relaxation and stress release.

It also aims:

• to provide skills at Level 3 in the National Qualification Framework for those interested in the Complementary Therapy/Care industry
• to provide opportunities for staff in the Complementary Therapy/ Care industry to gain a Level 3 qualification
• to qualify candidates as Massage Therapists at Level 3 in the Complementary /Care industry to sustain the interest of candidates wanting to work in the Complementary Therapy industry
• to encourage knowledge and understanding for the Complementary Therapy/Care industry at Level 3
• to provide opportunities for candidates to focus on the development of the major Key skills and the wider Key skills in a Therapy context such as communicating with clients, working with others and problem solving
• to provide opportunities for candidates to develop a range of skills and techniques, personal qualities and attitudes essential for successful performance in employment as a Massage Therapist.

The candidate will study the theory of massage treatments as well as anatomy and physiology of the whole body. (separate module which must be taken unless you already have this qulifucation or equivalent) The underpinning knowledge and skills required to successfully perform a Massage treatment are also required.

Case studies are also required to be completed for this award. The case studies form the internal assessment and should be assessed throughout the training by the tutor using the ITEC Case Study Guidance sheet. The case studies are then verified by an ITEC Examiner at the end of the course during the visit for invigilating the practical examination. The case studies ensure that a variety of clients must be consulted and treated in all the above areas and the outcomes of the treatments must be documented in order to gain experience of working with a variety of clients and conditions whilst candidates are still under supervision. Detailed rationales for the type of massage treatment and outcomes must be shown, as well as after care.

See Course Syllabus from ITEC web site

Guidance Notes for Candidates for the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage

This course is a unit towards gaining an ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage.

To gain the full ITEC Diploma, in addition, students will also be required to complete two further units:

ITEC Level 3 Anatomy and Physiology

ITEC Professional Conduct and Business Awareness

REQUIREMENTS: ELIGIBLE STUDENTS

Students must be 20 years of age or older.

Students need to also complete the Anatomy & Physiology course or equivalent and the Professional Conduct and Business Awareness

Admission is at the discretion of the college.

Holistic Massage takes place over a series of 4 Modules (7 days) and includes the following subjects:

Introduction to The Whole Body - Effleurage

The Back

The Legs and Arms

The Abdomen,

Shoulders Neck and Face

The Whole Body - Revision

Assessment: The Whole Body & Consultation, Mock Theory Exam

Mock Practical Exam

The course is assessed by:

Attendance of the course

Completed assignments and case studies (Holistic Massage Case Study Guidance Sheet)

Theoretical examination - 1 hour duration (Holistic Massage Sample Questions)

Practical examination, including 45 minute full body massage

Recommended prior learning

It is recommended that candidates should have achieved a level of education equivalent to five GCSEs at grades A*-C (preferably to include English Language, a science subject and/or GCSE in Physical Education) prior to commencing the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage, however exemptions may be made for adult returners with experience of the work place.

Opportunities for progression

Once candidates have achieved the ITEC Level 3 Diploma in Holistic Massage they may progress on to other ITEC or equivalent awards at level 3, for example:

Spa Treatments

Aromatherapy Massage

Reflexology

On Site Massage

Indian Head Massage

Lymphatic Drainage

Sports Massage

This award qualifies graduates to operate their own clinic or home visiting practice. Graduates can also gain employment in Salons, Health Club, Health Farms, Spas and Liners, NHS Trust and various aspects of the Care Industry. Professional indemnity and public liability insurance can be obtained via ITEC Professionals and other Industry Associations who recognise the ITEC Diploma.

Professional indemnity and public liability insurance can be obtained via ITEC Professionals and other Industry Associations who recognise the ITEC Diploma.

Please bring with you:
• Loose comfortable clothing for theory session
• White tunic uniform or dress for practical sessions
• Antiseptic Wipes (tea tree or lavender wipes are acceptable)
• 2 Folders: One for case studies and one for course work to be presented to the examiner
• Pen and pad
• Course Books (see list above)

About ITEC

ITEC is the largest international examination board offering a variety of qualifications worldwide.

ITEC provides 31 qualifications that are UK government accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills, and are registered on the National Qualifications Framework in the UK. These ITEC qualifications attract funding from the Learning and Skills Council.

ITEC qualifications are supported by industry and are easily transportable nationally and internationally.

The ITEC system is expressed in units allowing students to study at their own pace.

ITEC has ensured that best practice in the work place has been reflected in the syllabus for each qualification and each has been linked to the relevant job role, as well as ensuring that the syllabus reflects the required level of knowledge and skill needed for a practicing therapist

The history of ITEC

ITEC was founded in 1947 by Dr Arnould Taylor to train and qualify people wishing to become beauty therapists.

In 1972 it became an Awarding Body – ITEC – and built up a large range of qualifications in Beauty, Complementary therapies and Sports therapies.

It grew outside the UK to have significant representation in Ireland, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand as well as in many smaller areas.

In 1999 ITEC became accredited to QCA as an awarding body and its qualifications were accepted on the National Qualifications framework

In 2005 ITEC started developing a range of new qualifications in a variety of career based sectors. Up to this point ITEC stood for "International Therapy Examination Council", which is no longer used as ITEC has moved beyond therapy qualifications.

In 2006 ITEC introduced automated marking of theory examinations. Answer sheets are now scanned electronically, speeding up the examination process and reducing any risk of papers being lost during marking.